Birth Injury Lawsuits: Factors of Developing Cerebral Palsy

August 23, 2019 | Uncategorized | By Personal Injury Legal Directory | 0 Comments

Birth Injury Lawsuits: Factors of Developing Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects posture, muscle tone, and movement. It is often caused by damage that happens before or during delivery. The symptoms of cerebral palsy may become evident during the first 18 months, where reflexes may seem floppy, limbs may appear rigid, walking is unsteady, the eyes don’t focus on the same item, or the baby has involuntary movements.

Parents who are concerned that their baby developed cerebral palsy due to a medical error, are encouraged to visit a law firm that is experienced in handling medical malpractice lawsuit. While money cannot undo the damage that was done, parents may be entitled to financial compensation for their hardships. 

What are some other signs that a baby could have cerebral palsy?

The signs that a baby has cerebral palsy can vary greatly, but typically entail coordination and movement problems. If you observe any of the following in your baby, then it’s time to get medical care and a lawyer to represent your case: 

  • Stiff muscles with normal reflexes
  • Stiff muscles with spastic reflexes
  • Involuntary movements or tremors
  • Writhing and slow movements
  • Delays in sitting up, crawling, or other skills
  • Favoring one side of body
  • Trouble walking
  • Excessive drooling
  • Difficulty swallowing or sucking
  • Seizures
  • Learning challenges

 

What are the causes of cerebral palsy?

Parents who find out that their baby is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, may understandably respond with shock and devastation. It can be a parent’s worst nightmare to realize that their baby isn’t perfectly healthy. Cerebral palsy can occur when there is a disruption in brain development. There are many factors that can cause problems with brain development, such as: 

  • Gene mutations 
  • Fetal stroke (lack of blood supply to brain)
  • Maternal infections (that impact fetus)
  • Infant infection (can cause inflammation around the brain)
  • Traumatic head injury 
  • Lack of oxygen (otherwise referred to as asphyxia)

 

What if the baby comes down with an illness after birth?

Illnesses in the baby can increase the risk of developing cerebral palsy. For instance, the baby may get infected with bacterial or viral meningitis, which causes membranes around the spinal cord and brain to inflame. Or, the baby may have severe jaundice that goes untreated.

While there is a chance that a baby can suffer from an illness that is unavoidable, there are instances where it could have been prevented if only the doctor and staff had provided proper medical care. Parents who want to know what the chances are that their baby’s condition stemmed from medical negligence, must talk with an attorney immediately for advice. 

How do I know whether I have a case for a birth injury lawsuit?

Birth injury lawsuits can be tricky to pursue without help from an attorney that is knowledgeable in these sensitive cases. Parents should bring copies of medical documentation, photographs, video, witness statements, and anything else related to their legal appointment. During the consultation, a birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX can evaluate the situation to determine if medical negligence could have been a factor in the baby developing cerebral palsy. 

Thanks to John K. Zaid & Associates for their insight into personal injury claims and factors that lead to cerebral palsy and birth injuries.